Data on Recycling

July 31, 2018

When it comes to e-waste, you probably have heard of the dangers and harm of e-waste ending up in landfills. From polluting our natural water reserves and soil to wasting precious resources such as gold and silver, there are plenty of reasons why companies and individuals should recycle. The advantages of e-waste recycling are also numerous as well. Here are some of the most recent data on recycling.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a Materials and Waste Management report of its key facts and figures. The 2014 report is the most recent report of key findings. In 2014, of the 258 million tons of municipal solid waste that was created in the U.S., over 89 million tons were recycled and composted. This equals out to a 34.6% recycling rate in the U.S. Of that percentage; the most recycled items were corrugated boxes, which came out to 89.5%. The next most recycled items at 61% were yard trimmings being composted. Additionally, in 2014, of the 89 million tons of municipal solid waste that was recycled, it created an annual reduction of over 181 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. This is comparable to getting rid of emissions from over 38 million passenger cars.

There are also other benefits to e-waste recycling. For example, according to the EPA’s Recycling Economic Information Report, they found that recycling and reuse of materials not only creates jobs, but it also generates local and state tax revenues. In 2007 in the US, recycling and reuse activities accounted for 757,000 jobs, $36.6 billion in wages and $6.7 billion in tax revenues. While e-waste recycling is great for the environment as well as protecting sensitive data found on electronic devices, it is also a great way to create more jobs and boost the economy.